As we think back on the life and legacy of Phil Lesh, we revisit this 1999 interview, following his shows with Trey Anastasio, Page McConnell, Steve Kimock and John Molo.UBCUBCKVHWUBCHow was the Unbroken Chain foundation formed?Are there any other recipients that have stood out?You recently did a show for that?Is Unbroken Chain involved with anything outside the Bay area?Will this be a double CD?Wow! I heard it’s 10 CD’sThat’s tremendous. When we were leaving after the third night, we were all saying “They should just release the whole thing.”Since you had only worked together for a week , you would have expected those-Four days was it?There were times that seemed as if you guys had been together thirty years.Any ones in particular?That set the tone. The curtain opens and you do a 39 minute “Viola Lee Blues.” It was as if you were saying “we are not here to fool around!”By the third night, people weren’t even cheering for songs any more. It was already known that anything could happen.Many are wondering how the group came together.I was going to ask…That’s right. Working it out right there on stage. It was interesting.I’ve heard Phish is a more regimented band. they do forty hour weeks before going on tour.How about doing the Phish tunes?It was something else watching you do the opening bass line to “Down with Disease” while Mike Gordon was sitting on the side of the stage.That was great in that you kept it in your style.We’ve been hearing rumors of a summer tour…Speaking of which, since we’re an internet magazine, it’s amazing what a role the internet plays in getting the word out on bands.So you read a lot of the reviews on the internet?There were a lot of reviews that were tremendously glowing.But then there were some that were resistant to other groups like Phish?Well there are a lot of talented players to choose from.Is that the first time you have ever seen another group cover your material?Well that must have been a thrill.Can you talk a little bit about the importance of musicians leading by example and giving back to the community?What can our readers to get involved in their own communities?You spoke so eloquently about the importance of becoming an organ donor. I feel it bears repeating.That’s a lesson to be learned.While you were recovering, there was a tremendous amount of love and healing energy sent your way. Could you talk a little bit about what that meant to you?
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